'FBOY ISLAND' STAR GARRETT MOROSKY My Russian Roots Got Me Detained ... Scared I Wouldn't Get Home

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SCARY SIGN OF THE TIMES
TMZ.com

"FBOY Island" star Garrett Morosky says his passport showing Russia as his birthplace just got his butt detained in a Mexican airport ... while trying to return to the United States.

We got the Netflix reality show star at Tocaya in WeHo and he told us he had all sorts of problems crossing the border ... an ordeal he's chalking up to his quirky passport and the Ukraine-Russia war.

Garrett says he was all set to board a flight from Mexico to Los Angeles this month when he was suddenly yanked out of line and detained ... with Mexican officials asking him all sorts of questions and even taking off his pants during a search.

Garrett has a U.S. passport, but he was actually born in Russia ... which is on his travel documents. "FBOY Island" fans will recall, Garrett was on a date with Sarah Emig when he told her he was adopted from Russia.

Given the increased tension between the U.S. and Russia -- due to the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent U.S. sanctions -- Garrett says he was scared he might not be allowed back into the U.S.

Ultimately, he was released and allowed to board a flight to L.A., but he says it was an eye-opening experience.

Garrett says it's made him wary about future travel -- you can tell he's nervous just talking about it -- but he does have plans to be near the U.S.-Mexico border in the near future. He's just sure he'll stay put on this side.

Fred Durst Hit in $3,000 Backyard Heist!!! But Cops Get Back His Stuff

Fred Durst almost lost thousands of dollars worth of stuff to a thief who got into his yard, but thanks in part to security cameras ... all that gear is back in his possession, and alleged crook's in custody.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a 30-year-old man walked through a gate onto Fred's L.A. area property Friday and made his way to the backyard, where he stumbled across a Tesla charger, a violin and a few other things. Apparently, he thought the Limp Bizkit frontman was running some kinda 5-finger discount program, because cops say he jacked all of it.

We're told the stuff was valued at about $3,000.

Our sources say the guy also tried to break into the house, but wasn't able to because everything was locked. Cops say Fred wasn't home at the time, but his family was.

Cops were eventually called, and although the suspect had left by then ... he wasn't out of the woods. Cops say he was spotted later that same night, and arrested by cops thanks to video FD had of the incident.

The man was booked for felony grand theft, and we're told Fred's stuff was returned safe and sound. Cops don't believe Durst was specifically targeted, and he tells TMZ he's just grateful nobody was hurt.

Antonio Brown Kanye West And I ... 'Extremely Serious' About Buying Denver Broncos

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GUNNIN' FOR A GRAMMY
TMZSports.com

Antonio Brown says he and Kanye West are dead serious about their efforts to buy the Denver Broncos ... telling TMZ Sports they're working hard to get a real deal done.

Brown and Ye have become best buds ever since the NFL star was booted from the Buccaneers in January -- and in their newfound bromance, Ye named Brown the president of one of his biggest ventures, Donda Sports.

And, as one of Brown's first actions in the exec role, he said back in February he wanted to purchase the Broncos.

When we got the free agent receiver out in Los Angeles just days ago, he told us the goal is still on their minds, and it's a legitimate one, explaining he and Ye are "extremely serious" about making it all happen.

"Tell Roger [Goodell] to call me," Brown said. "We're working on it ... We're working towards getting it done."

The Broncos just recently went up for sale, and many believe the price tag to ultimately land the team could be around $4 BILLION. If somehow the two are able to get that change together, a sale to Ye and Brown would also have to be approved by the rest of the owners in the league.

In the meantime, while they work on getting a deal in Denver done, Brown and Ye have more immediate goals of rockin' the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami in July.

Brown promised the two would put on a show at Hard Rock Stadium -- and added that he's hopeful his connection with Ye someday leads to a Grammy.

Guess Who This Brown-Eyed Cutie Turned Into!

Before this little starlet sang her way to our screens, she was just a young gal from Rhinebeck, New York. Although she comes from a famous last name, her pretty aunt has always deemed her niece as ‘maintaining her sense of self.’

This little gal's slicked-back hairdo foreshadows an almost identical look to her recent A-list appearances ... and posing while wearing a necklace as a little girl is also a trend that can be seen in her Hollywood looks.

If you need more clues on who this little girl just might be, just think of her time on “American Horror Story.”

Can you you guess who this brunette beauty is?

UFC's Maryna Moroz Ukrainian Fighter Scared For Family ... I Know Someone Who Died In War

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TRYING TO BE STRONG
TMZSports.com

UFC fighter Maryna Moroz has been on a roller coaster of emotions -- the Ukrainian fighter got a huge win at UFC 272, but tells TMZ Sports she's terrified for her family's safety as war rages in her home country.

"A lot of emotions because after 24 hours, I didn't sleep. I tried to answer everybody for my fans, for my family, for my friends. So back in Florida, a little bit of rest, try to stay more calm but still have emotions like crazy, but happy," Moroz says.

But, despite feeling good about the hard-earned 2nd round submission win over Mariya Agapova, Maryna's still very worried about her relatives in Ukraine.

"My family is okay but I know many of my friends, like, I know this guy died. It was so sad, but for me, it's very important to save my family right now. I don't want somebody to come touch my family. It's still nervous, still scary to me, I'm scared right now, but I try to be strong."

Even though Moroz was on the undercard, her post-fight interview with Joe Rogan got a lot of attention after Maryna talked about the emotions she dealt with leading up to fight night.

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FOR MY FAMILY
UFC

In spite of the terrible situation facing her loved ones on the ground in Ukraine, she says her family is thrilled for her success.

"Of course, my family is very proud of me."

Ukraine Devastation Inside Buildings, Homes

We've seen buildings getting blown to bits from the outside looking in as Russia continues to invade Ukraine -- but here's a peak at the horror from behind closed doors.

This goes without saying ... but it doesn't go without showing. These are photos from inside homes and businesses hit by mortar and missiles throughout the besieged country -- and as you can see, it's utter devastation.

One shot appears to show a gym that's been decimated ... equipment destroyed and scattered about ... totally covered in ash and soot.

There's even some fires that are still going as a result of whatever attack this edifice endured -- again ... just giving you a sense of how bad the property damage is on the ground.

The same can be said for individual people's homes ... which are being turned upside down amid the conflict, with drawers being blown out ... and personal items and debris thrown every which way indoors. Those who are still around are trying to pick up the pieces.

Of course, this is to be expected considering the types of weaponry being unleashed onto the Ukrainian people at the hands of the Russians -- specifically, under the orders of Vladimir Putin. You hear about this stuff, but seeing it is a whole other story.

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BOMBING IN KHARKIV
Ukraine NOW/Telegram

Also worth mentioning ... the cost to repair all this once the dust settles will be astronomical, so even when this horrible chapter closes -- it'll be far from over in terms of recovery.

Dana White, Khabib, & Rey Mysterio Send Letters Of Support To Judge ... Free Cain Velasquez!!

The combat sports world is rallying behind Cain Velasquez ... with huge names like Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman, Rey Mysterio, and more calling on the judge in the UFC legend's case to let him out of jail.

TMZ Sports has learned over 30 people -- many famous -- penned letters to Judge Shelyna Brown asking her to let Velasquez post bail, which would allow him to mount his defense from home, not a cell.

In addition to the UFC honcho and the guys above, others like Bellator boss Scott Coker, Bellator heavyweight champ Ryan Bader, UFC contender Kelvin Gastelum, UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev, UFC featherweight contender Yair Rodriguez, former UFC flyweight champ Brandon Moreno (and many more) sent letters to Judge Brown.

Unfortunately for Velasquez -- who was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and other charges -- it doesn't seem the letters swayed the judge.

Brown denied Cain bail, saying his alleged actions were "reckless," and the "risk is too great" to allow the future UFC Hall of Famer out of county jail.

But, it's the reason behind those so-called "reckless" actions that has motivated so many people -- from stars in the MMA world to ordinary people -- to demand Cain's release.

Velasquez is accused of attempting to kill a man named Harry Goularte ... after the 43-year-old was arrested for allegedly molesting a member of Cain's family -- possibly multiple times.

Now, barring the prosecution changing its position, Velasquez will sit in a jail cell until at least April 12, when he is scheduled to again stand before the judge.

Following Monday morning's bail hearing, CV's high-profile defense attorney Mark Geragos blasted the court for somehow allowing Goularte -- accused of molesting a young family member of Cain's -- to be released from jail, without consulting the Velasquez family.

Hoda Kotb 'As a mom, I'm Heartbroken' As Children Flee Ukraine

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DON'T LOOK AWAY
TMZ.com

Hoda Kotb has a hard time viewing devastating images of Ukrainian children and families fleeing the war -- she calls it "disturbing" -- but feels it's important the world sees it.

We got Hoda Monday outside NBC Studios, and she shared her emotional response to the gut-wrenching images coming out of Ukraine as Russia's gruesome attacks continue.

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FRIGHTENED EVACUATION
CNN

This harrowing video of a young boy alone and crying is a painful reality for most children throughout the country ... as they are left to fend for themselves.

The 'Today Show' co-anchor tells us it is especially heartbreaking to see photos from an orphanage, being a mom herself. Hoda adopted her first daughter, Haley, back in 2017 and her second, Hope, in 2019.

She says every mom can look at what's happening and think it "could be any of us at any time."

On top of that ... Hoda says she personally knows folks in the U.S. who planned to adopt the children they now see fighting for their lives. As she put it, "It just broke my heart."

Aaron Rodgers Bakhtiari Wedding Date ... Shailene Woodley?!?

Either Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley are going through the most peaceful breakup of all time... or they're still together, going stronger than ever!!

We posted video of the back-to-back NFL MVP officiating star teammate David Bakhtiari's wedding near Santa Barbara ... but it wasn't clear if ex-fiancé/fiancé (who knows anymore) attended the wedding.

But, we now have our answer ... 'cause video from the wedding reception certainly appears to show 38-year-old Rodgers and 30-year-old Woodley chatting as people dance.

Remember, Aaron and Shailene started dating shortly after he split from Danica Patrick in 2020.

Then, Rodgers shocked many people when he announced at the NFL awards show that he was engaged to the star actress.

But, earlier this year, there were reports AR and SW broke up ... with both choosing to focus on their respective careers.

However, after they reportedly broke up, Aaron posted a sappy message about Shailene on his Instagram page.

"thanks for letting me chase after you the first couple months after we met, and finally letting me catch up to you and be a part of your life. Thanks for always having my back, for the incredible kindness you show me and everyone you meet, and for showing me what unconditional love looks like, I love you and am grateful for you."

Then, the couple was seen out in Los Angeles together ... further adding to speculation they were still together or they rekindled the romance after splitting.

Now that Aaron and Shailene attended the wedding together ... it seems very apparent they're very much still together.

Bethenny Frankel INITIATIVE RAISES $35 MILlion FOR UKRAINIAN refugees

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HOW TO HELP
TMZ.com

Philanthropist Bethenny Frankel's effort to help displaced Ukrainians is raising huge amounts of money, and now she's focused on finding ways to distribute the aid, quickly and safely.

Bethenny was on TMZ Live Monday with a huge update -- her Bstrong initiative (in-partnership with Global Empowerment Mission) has received $25 million worth of aid donations and supplies, with another $10M given in cash ... and the total is still climbing!

She says the supplies are going to an undisclosed location in Ukraine -- kept under wraps for safety concerns -- and they're also operating out of massive warehouses in Poland and Hungary. The goal is to use these hubs for those in need and have them serve as a space for organizations to pick up supplies as needed.

She also tells us the $10M in cash will go towards refugee relocation ... saying it's not about keeping Ukrainians happy in their own country anymore. She says the goal is to get them out safely, which will be more accessible with the money raised.

Bethenny's 11-year-old daughter Bryn has been helping out too ... making artwork to raise some cash for the cause! She made an exclusive set of paintings depicting the Ukrainian flag, and NY Mets owner Steve Cohen bought 5 of 'em right off the bat!

But, she says what's been most inspiring is the way everyday Americans are pitching in to help like she's never seen before.

NFL Star Calvin Ridley Suspended Entire 2022 Season ... For Betting On Games

UPDATE

1:21 PM PT -- According to NFL reporter Albert Breer, Ridley did bet on the Falcons -- but did not bet against them.

UPDATE

Breer added that Ridley placed the wagers between Nov. 23 to Nov. 28 -- over two weeks after he was placed on the NFI list.

UPDATE

1:03 PM PT -- Ridley just tweeted about the ban, admitting he bet $1,500 ... though he insisted he does not "have a gambling problem."

UPDATE

The NFL has just banned Atlanta Falcons star receiver Calvin Ridley for the ENTIRE 2022 season ... after investigators say he bet on games.

The league just announced the suspension ... saying in a statement Ridley bet on NFL games in the 2021 season "during a five-day period in late November."

Ridley was away from the team on the non-football illness list at the time of the betting, the NFL said in a statement.

The league added that an investigation showed there were no signs "that any game was compromised in any way."

"There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success -- and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league -- than upholding the integrity of the game," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter to Ridley notifying him of the ban.

"This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL."

Goodell continued, "For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions."

The NFL noted Ridley can apply for reinstatement in February 2023.

Ridley is widely regarded as one of the best receivers in the NFL -- piling up 3,342 receiving yards in just 49 games. He missed most of last season while battling mental health issues.

Originally Published -- 12:43 PM PT

Sen. Lindsey Graham Stands by Call to Assassinate Putin Worries About Brittney Griner

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DOUBLING DOWN
TMZ.com

Senator Lindsey Graham caught some heat for suggesting someone needed to assassinate Vladimir Putin to end this Russia-Ukraine conflict ... and now, he's doubling down.

We got LG Monday at Reagan National Airport in D.C., and asked him to respond to the backlash he received last week after floating the possibility of Russians taking Putin out.

The basis of the criticism ... such talk is dangerous, and certainly not something a U.S. public official should be spewing -- even if it is something that's been on folks' minds.

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TAKE HIM OUT
Fox News

Well ... Sen. Graham not only stands by what he said, but expands a bit on the subject -- saying just about everybody in the world sees what the Russian president is doing, and can clearly see the guy's a war criminal who must be stopped.

Graham notes Putin's been getting away with atrocities for years -- so, yes, he doesn't see anything wrong with musing about the possibility of his own people removing the man ... one way or another.

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DETAINED IN RUSSIA
customs.gov.ru

Our photog took the opportunity to ask about WNBA star Brittney Griner, who's being detained by Russian authorities on a drug charge.

Sen. Graham thinks this could get messy -- but assures us ... the State Dept. is already working on securing her release. Still, it's a precarious situation, to say the least.

Patrick Mahomes Fake Super Bowl Rings Seized By Feds ... Part Of $345K Bust

A plan to sell counterfeit Patrick Mahomes Super Bowl rings has been thwarted ... feds just announced they seized a bunch of fake K.C. Chiefs title bling in a huge bust in Louisville.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Monday that officers intercepted a package that they say contained a small fortune-worth of fake Mahomes merch as well as other counterfeit sports memorabilia.

According to the CBP, the package -- which came from China and was heading toward Florida -- contained 30 fake Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl rings, 110 fake Atlanta Braves World Series rings, 10 fake Milwaukee Bucks NBA championship rings and 80 fake Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rings.

In a photo of some of the seized "jewelry" ... you can see Mahomes' name was engraved on some of the merch, along with his number and the words "Chiefs Kingdom."

The CBP said in total, the package was worth $345,000.

Of course, interceptions like these have become commonplace ... in fact, back in January, feds say they seized 56 shipments of 1,382 fake sports championships and trophies, estimated to be worth around $1 million had they turned out to be legitimate.

Ukraine Elderly Fleeing War Zones Get Help Wheelchairs, Wheelbarrows

The exodus from Ukraine is heartbreaking on so many levels -- more than a million-and-a-half people fleeing their homeland as Putin viciously bombs civilian and other targets.

The struggle to leave is especially hard on the elderly ... but their fellow Ukrainians are doing everything in their power to help them with safe passage.

These images are extremely compelling and powerful, and underscore the humanity within the borders of Ukraine.

Elderly citizens are crossing the border in wheelchairs, walkers and whatever other means that are available. As harrowing as it seems -- literally using wheelbarrows to get the infirmed out of harm's way -- it's necessary and it's working.

Seeing soldiers and civilians carry some of the elderly on piggy-back is as inspiring as it is desperate.

This is being played out over and over as the war escalates. It's beyond sad to know a lot of these people have got to be wondering if they'll ever return to the place they were born and lived their lives.

Brittney Griner's Wife Hurting Over Detainment 'No Words To Express This Pain'

UPDATE

12:25 PM PT -- Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, was just asked about Griner's detainment during her daily press briefing ... but said she couldn't address the specific situation because of privacy concerns.

UPDATE

Psaki did say the White House was aware of the reports ... but pointed reporters to the U.S. State Department.

UPDATE
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"NOTHING TO REPORT"
White House

Brittney Griner's wife says she's completely heartbroken over her wife's detainment in Russia ... saying in an emotional social media post, "My heart, our hearts, are all skipping beats everyday that goes by without hearing from you."

Griner has reportedly been kept in Russia the past few weeks after she was allegedly caught with vape cartridges in her bag while traveling through an airport.

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DETAINED IN RUSSIA
customs.gov.ru

Communication between Griner and her family has apparently been few and far between since she was taken into custody ... and Cherelle Griner said Monday morning it's all been excruciating.

"There are no words to express this pain," Cherelle said. "I'm hurting, we're hurting. We await the day to love on you as a family."

Cherelle added that she's having trouble doing anything without wondering if the WNBA star is safe.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declined to get into specifics of the Griner case on Sunday ... but he said any citizen who is being held in a foreign country will get assistance.

"Whenever an American is detained anywhere in the world," Blinken said, "we of course stand ready to provide every possible assistance."

He added, "We have an embassy team that's working on the cases of other Americans who are detained in Russia. We're doing everything we can to see to it that their rights are upheld and respected."

Griner has deep ties to Russia ... after playing there for several years during the WNBA offseasons.

Anonymous Claims It Hacked Russian TV Services ... Plays War Footage

Russia might have an enemy on its hands that's more effective than any other adversary, and that's Anonymous ... which claims to have hijacked Vladimir Putin's regularly scheduled propaganda programming.

The notorious hacking group -- which has been involved in high-profile leaks over the years -- is taking responsibility for the mass disruption of multiple Russian TV broadcasts this weekend ... including a couple of popular streaming services and even some state media channels.

Instead of whatever several news networks were supposed to be playing ... reports and videos on the ground appear to show Anonymous aired real war footage from Ukraine. That's significant because most Russians don't even believe there's a war, or don't see it as Russian aggression.

The hacking would mean Putin's citizens got to see real footage of Ukrainian civilians bombed and forced to flee their homes.

Reportedly, 70 percent of Russians support the invasion of Ukraine, but Russian-run TV has been blasting out the narrative that their country is fighting Nazism and saving Ukraine.

So, to disrupt that thinking ... Anonymous seems to have taken the incredible step of showing them what they're definitely not being exposed to, and hopefully it's a wake-up call. Even if it is though ... Russians face stiff penalties for protesting the war, including years of jail time.

Anonymous sent a message to Putin in late February threatening action like this, and the group claims it's followed through.

Russian officials, meanwhile, are denying Anonymous has done anything to derail their plans.